Taxonomy and distribution of the South American toad Bufo poeppigii Tschudi, 1845 (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic status of the Andean toad Bufo poeppigii has been controversial since its description by Tschudi in the 19th Century, because of the similar appearance of the species with respect to Bufo marinus, and the fact that both species may occur together in some localities at the foot of the Andes. Bufo poeppigii is a valid species occurring on the Amazonian slopes of the Andes, at least from central Bolivia to northern Peru. It differs from B. marinus mainly by a less marked sexual dimorphism in size, smaller size, rugose skin always present in males, distribution of nuptial excrescences, and some features of the parotoid glands. The variability of B. marinus encompasses that of B. poeppigii; thus, in some cases it is difficult to identify some specimens.